The submissions for this assignment are posts in the assignment's discussion. Below are
the discussion posts for Jennifer Kennedy (Jen), or you can view the full discussion.
from Discussion Thread: Ethics in Healthcare Services
Oct 26, 2023, 8:22PM
Jennifer Kennedy (Jen)
The rapid advancement of technology has had a significant impact on various healthcare
professions. Today, aspiring healthcare professionals understand the importance of
excelling academically and acquiring technical skills in their field. As a result, less
emphasis is placed on learning the nontechnical aspects of care. This shift in focus is
reinforced by professionals, peers, administrators, and even the general public. While the
expectation for excellent technical performance has become the norm, the personal and
human touch in healthcare may sometimes be overlooked or undervalued. (Cross &
McWay, 2022)
The advancement of technology in healthcare has undoubtedly brought numerous
benefits, but it is important to recognize the impact it may have on the personal, human
touch in patient care. However, it doesn't necessarily have to be the case that healthcare
professionals lose their personal touch due to technical performance. (Boch et al, 2023)
To achieve this balance, healthcare professionals should focus on effective
communication with patients, actively listening to their concerns, and providing clear
explanations about their condition and treatment options. (Boch et al, 2023) Building
rapport and establishing a genuine connection with patients can also help create a sense
of trust and comfort.
Time management is crucial in ensuring that healthcare professionals have enough time to
provide efficient care while also allowing for personal interactions with patients. Continued
education and training programs can help improve bedside manner and patient
communication skills.
Balancing technical performance with a good bedside manner is incredibly important in
healthcare. While technical proficiency is necessary for accurate diagnoses and effective
treatments, the human touch is equally important for providing compassionate and
patient-centered care. Patients often seek not just medical expertise, but also empathy,
understanding, and support during their healthcare journey.
The role of the federal government in healthcare has grown significantly, with its expanding
financial support for technology and services, as well as its authority in establishing
healthcare regulations. As we enter the twenty-first century, it becomes clear that the
social philosophy of the past is outdated. There is a shift towards a new philosophy that
emphasizes society's responsibility, through the government, to ensure accessible and
sufficient healthcare for all individuals. While healthcare was previously seen as an
individual concern, it is now recognized as a fundamental right that should be available to
everyone. (Cross & McWay, 2022)
References
Boch, A., Ryan, S., Kriebitz, A., Amugongo, L. M., & Lütge, C. (2023). Beyond the Metal
Flesh: Understanding the Intersection between Bio- and AI Ethics for Robotics in
Healthcare. Robotics, 12(4), 110. https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics12040110Links
to an external site.
Cross, N., & McWay, D. (2022). Stanfield’s introduction to health professions. Jones & Bartlett
Learning.
Pavel, C. E. (2019). Healthcare: between a human and a conventional right. Economics and
Philosophy, 35(3), 499–520. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0266267118000366Links to
an external site.
from Discussion Thread: Ethics in Healthcare Services Reply’s
Oct 30, 2023, 6:58PM
Jennifer Kennedy (Jen)
Hi Katherine,
I completely agree with your points. Technology has indeed played a crucial role in
improving access to healthcare for many individuals. Telehealth has allowed patients to
communicate with their doctors and receive care remotely, which is especially beneficial
for those who cannot travel to hospitals or clinics. The government's role in funding
healthcare programs and supporting technological advancements is essential for further
improvements in healthcare access. It is also important to recognize that healthcare
should be considered a fundamental human right, as stated in the constitution. Every
individual deserves equal access to healthcare without any discrimination or prejudice.
Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male
and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
from Discussion Thread: Ethics in Healthcare Services Reply’s
Oct 30, 2023, 7:04PM
Hi Courtney,
I completely agree with your perspective on the importance of maintaining a good bedside
manner in healthcare. Balancing technical skills with empathy and compassion is crucial
for creating a positive patient experience and building trust between healthcare
professionals and patients. Taking the time to listen to patients' concerns and treating
them with respect can greatly enhance the overall quality of care.
Regarding the question of whether healthcare is a right or a privilege, I agree with your view
that it is a fundamental right for everyone. Access to healthcare should not be determined
by one's socioeconomic status or ability to pay. Recognizing healthcare as a right ensures
that everyone has equal access to essential medical services, promoting equality and
addressing disparities in healthcare. It aligns with principles of social justice and
compassion, emphasizing the importance of providing necessary care to all individuals,
regardless of their circumstances.
By considering healthcare as a right, we can work towards creating a society where
everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life, ultimately contributing to
the overall well-being of individuals and communities. Matthew 25:35-36 - "For I was
hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to
drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was
sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."
